Voters Now Fear Big Tech More Than Big Government, Poll Reveals

Public concern about Big Tech has surged, surpassing worries about Big Government for the first time in years.

The landscape of public concern has undergone a dramatic transformation. As artificial intelligence companies accelerate toward initial public offerings and construct vast data centers, a new perspective has emerged among voters. A recent survey reveals that Big Tech is now perceived as a greater threat to the nation’s future than Big Governmentmarking a striking reversal from just seven years ago.

This shift in public opinion reflects the evolving dynamics of power and influence in society. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, voters are reassessing where they believe the greatest risks lie. The findings suggest a growing unease about the concentration of power within tech companies and their potential lack of accountability.

The Changing Perception of Big Tech

In a significant turnaround, 52% of voters now view Big Tech as the greater threat to the country’s outlook, compared to 47% who see Big Government as the primary concern. This represents a 28-point reversal since 2019, when more voters were worried about government overreach (58%) than tech companies (35%).

The shift in perception is evident across most demographic groups, with a few exceptions. Very conservative voters and mothers, for instance, still view big government as the bigger villain. Republicans and independents, however, are split on which poses the greater threat.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has become a focal point in this debate. The survey highlights mixed feelings about AI, with equal numbers describing it as either innovative or helpful (14% each). However, there is also a notable portion of the population that expresses caution (12%) or fear (10%).

The share of voters who feel afraid of AI or consider it dangerous has decreased from 16% in 2026 to 10% today. This decline is observed across most demographics, except for voters aged 65 and up, who remain more skeptical. Conversely, the number of people who find AI innovative and helpful has doubled from 7% in 2026 to 14% today, particularly among younger and nonwhite voters.

The Rise of Daily AI Usage

Daily usage of AI technology is on the rise, with 18% of voters now using it every day, up from 11% last June. This increase is primarily driven by more men and independents, who have shown a significant rise in daily usage. Despite their skepticism, even voters aged 65 and over are using AI more frequently.

However, a substantial portion of the population still rarely (21%) or never (32%) uses AI, similar to levels seen last summer. This indicates a divide in the adoption and acceptance of AI technology among different demographic groups.

Opposition to AI Infrastructure

Voters are also expressing strong opposition to the construction of AI data centers in their communities. Two-thirds (67%) oppose having data centers in their area, with 43% strongly opposing the idea. Only one-third (32%) favor the construction of these facilities.

The strength of opposition varies among different groups. Men, Hispanic voters, voters under 30, and Republicans are less likely to oppose data centers, while women, White voters, those aged 65+, and Democrats show higher levels of opposition. Those who find AI innovative or use it at least weekly are more likely to support the construction of data centers.

The Legal Battle: Musk vs. ZDF

In a separate but related development, Elon Muskthe US-based tech mogul, has announced legal action against German state broadcaster ZDF. The dispute arose from a ZDF newscast that falsely claimed Musk had incited anti-migrant violence in Northern Ireland.

The controversy began after a Sudanese asylum seeker allegedly carried out a stabbing attack in Belfast, leading to anti-immigration unrest. In a post on his X platform, Musk stated that “legal action is being taken against ZDF for their outrageous lies.” He further criticized the broadcaster for its “imprecise and therefore misleading” reporting.

ZDF has since admitted to the inaccuracy in their reporting, clarifying that while Tommy Robinson called for protests, Musk merely shared the post. Despite this clarification, Musk’s lawyer has sent a cease-and-desist letter to ZDF, describing the statement as “defamatory and slanderous.”

The Broader Implications

The incident highlights the complex interplay between social media, public figures, and media outlets. Musk’s influence as the owner of X and a prominent tech figure amplifies the reach of his posts, potentially impacting public opinion and political discourse.

Researchers from the Center for Combating Digital Hatred (CCDH) have noted Musk’s role in amplifying xenophobic rhetoric. According to them, Musk used the tragedy in Belfast to disseminate anti-immigrant narratives through his platform and personal account. This has raised concerns about the potential for social media platforms to stoke tensions and influence political outcomes.

The British authorities have accused Musk of stoking tension and supporting street pressure on the government. This case exemplifies how the architecture of political influence is evolving, with external, unregulated media platforms playing a significant role.